Veteran Pro Bowler defensive tackle, Cameron Heyward is still without a new contract but a trade is imminent. According to a report, the Steelers are no closer to a new deal for the veteran even though he hopes to play for them in 2025. Nothing is changing throughout the next few weeks so it might be time for the Steelers to consider dealing him now rather than letting him test free agency. Heyward has been missing most of the voluntary portions of camp because of his desire for a new contract.
However, the organization does have a policy of not negotiating extensions during the season so this month is probably his last opportunity. If he doesn’t receive one now then the likelihood that he will end his career somewhere else becomes imminent. Heyward spent all of his NFL career with the Steelers so it’s hard to imagine that he lands elsewhere in a new uniform but he somehow gets better with age. However, the veteran has been contemplating retirement following his injury season.
He still has a lot to offer at his age with the attributes that he’s able to provide. After missing 10 games in 2016, he was able to notch 12.0 sacks, 16 tackles for loss and 22 quarterback hits the following year. Heyward has been one of the top interior pass rushers in this era after missing his first Pro Bowl last season. However, where he lands, the hope is that he can get back to his old self and recover from his injury.
Heyward wants to retire with the Steelers and is only looking for a two-year contract that locks him for life on the roster. If the opportunity is elsewhere, he wouldn’t hesitate but to explore his options before he retires.
Veteran Pro Bowler Cameron Heyward Still Without New Contract, Trade Is Imminent
Next Possible Teams
Kansas City Chiefs
The Chiefs are bringing back one of the greater defensive tackles this season, Chris Jones for a long time on a mega contract. However, no one should count out if Kansas City has an eye on Heyward if he becomes available. It may be logical for the veteran to think about chasing a Super Bowl before he hangs up his cleats. Mike Danna returning along with George Karlaftis on the same roster would make this organization into a super team.
New Orleans Saints
Chase Young signing with the team to help guys like Cameron Jordan should be able to help boost this defense this year. However, if they’re looking for a veteran with more experience then they may look into Heyward. The Saints are still in cap hell but they could somehow still bring him in on a cheap one-year deal before he retires. Derek Carr on offense isn’t going to get any better this upcoming year since he doesn’t have a clear supporting cast other than Chris Olave and Alvin Kamara.
New Orleans may be better off developing an explosive defense while figuring out what they need to do on offense.
Baltimore Ravens
The Ravens have been losing a lot of key defensive starters this offseason so adding a veteran wouldn’t be a bad thing. However, no one should expect the Steelers to trade him for their bitter rival so the likelihood is that he joins them next season instead. Jadeveon Clowney and Geno Stone are no longer around so it’s up to Kyle Van Noy and Roquan Smith to step up.
However, they could use some middle help for Justin Madubuike but it isn’t the biggest need. He was still able to put up a strong year.
Dallas Cowboys
Leighton Vander-Esch isn’t coming back to play anymore since his injury is ending his career. This leaves a lone Eric Kendricks on one side while the Cowboys still have a hole to fill. Dante Fowler Jr. and Dorance Armstrong left for Washington so they need a cost-effective veteran to help with some insurance policy. Heyward makes too much sense for this scenario considering he’s only looking to play for two more seasons after this upcoming year.
The post Veteran Pro Bowler Still Without New Contract, Trade Is Imminent appeared first on Last Word on Pro Football.